Only if you are going to spend to money un an upgraded computer and upgrading the tranny so you dont tear it out. I have seen a few pwople who have done it on the non vortec motors and yes they had more power.

I'm actually shopping for an engine for my 96 also and was considering the 383 also. Can you give more details about the computer upgrade; like what's the price and where would I purchase it from and what would have to be done to the tranny also. If it's gonna be more than about $500.00 to $1000.00 then I'm not going to do it. Let me know something, please.

I think a 383 Stroker long block runs at least $2500.. And the tranny would hold up for a while but you would want stronger parts in it to take the high power output. The computer would most likely need a custom tune.

if you get the GMPP 383E the computer will not need upgrading as it will adapt to it(you could just get a custom tune from blackbearperformance $400), but even though GM designed the 383E to directly replace the 5.7 vortec the 383 puts the tranny at its limits. i would get a 4L80E tranny and get a shift kit put in it at the very least. then you could really open up the crate 383 with a cam and headers

Yeah since with the factory EFI etc, you really arent exceeding much beyond what the 5.7L vortec had to begin with. I have seen the 4L60E handle 300HP with out any major drama. And a good set of headers and bored out a bit it will still be under that number.